Reptile & Amphibian Forums

*Why does anyone still call them Corn Snakes? Ignorance from 17th century farmers must be dispelled; they don't eat corn! It's okay to use the proper species name - really.*

I really enjoy Rat snakes, but my former Everglades was a disappointment. He was very reclusive, stubborn and was seldom active during the day.

Red Rats are known to be mostly diurnal, but south FL morphs like the Miami may tend toward nocturnal habits (and preferring anoles over mice).

Each snake is an individual, and can vary in traits or behavior. Is your generally active during the day?

Nearly all of mine are most active at night. And I don't have any miami-phase individuals.

It is interesting how often official literature states that they are Daytime animals.

More evidence suggests that they aside from being Crepuscular (like many wild animals), they may prefer to be nocturnal.

If so, that needs to be better communicated to Humans who may want a more daytime active specimen. (Not much use trying to sell them a basking lamp!)

Why not "cornsnake"? There is plenty of uncertainty as to exactly how the name originated anyway. Some theorize that it is because of the typical "maize-like" belly checkering that resembles Indian corn. Others believe it is from long ago when farmers would find them in their "corn sheds" taking advantage of the rodents that would also be there for the corn.

In my old south Florida neighborhood growing up as a kid in the late 60's and early 70's, everyone (including me) referred to them simply as "Red Rats". But as the years went by and as I read more and more books that also continuously referred to them more as "cornsnakes", I basically found myself using the name cornsnake more and more. It's funny, because to this very day, whenever I hear or read the name "Red Rat", it automatically makes me think back to the old neighborhood I grew up in and a few of my good buddies that used to go hunting for them there..LOL!

cheers, ~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

serpentinespecialties.webs.com

Good points. I have come to believe that they were named due to the corn/maize pattern on belly, not so much due to having been found in corn cribs. (Although that may be the reason for the common name in some regions.)

Interesting that a local FL boy and friends called them Red Rats. Thanks for the local lore.

(Read the main Rat Snake forum for my Found success story.)

That's what I used to call them too! In fact when I used to hunt them the wholesalers would pay 3 dollars a foot for "Yellows", and 5 Dollars a foot for "Reds". Back then 5 bucks was a lot more than today, lol. it probably cost 15 bucks to fill my tank then.
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Disclaimer: I do keep several snakes in pairs, and some in groups. However I realize that things can go wrong, and I have to keep a close eye on those groups, to be sure they are not being adversely affected by these living conditions. Also if one happens to eat it's cagemate, it is 100% my fault, and I know the risks in advance!

What's wrong with using CAUTION?!?!?!
King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
~ Jorge Sierra www.SierraSnakes.com

Mine rarely come out during the day unless I offer them a mouse!
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Kent

Seems like much online literature is wrong; they tend to prefer Nocturnal hours. I found that to be true, also.

Thanks for helping.

As a teen, and then into my twenties, I did a lot of snake hunting in Florida. We typically road cruised at night, and flipped garbage, and wood during the day. Our target snakes were Red rats, Yellow Rats, and Kings. Never saw one cross the road in the day. I have stumbled across a couple yellows, moving around trees, and bushes during the day, but it was rare. They are mostly nocturnal. Racers, and Green snakes, as well as Garters could be found in the day, but then garters would also be found at night.
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Disclaimer: I do keep several snakes in pairs, and some in groups. However I realize that things can go wrong, and I have to keep a close eye on those groups, to be sure they are not being adversely affected by these living conditions. Also if one happens to eat it's cagemate, it is 100% my fault, and I know the risks in advance!

What's wrong with using CAUTION?!?!?!
King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
~ Jorge Sierra www.SierraSnakes.com